- World Chain has fully integrated native USD Coin and is incorporating Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol V2 into its ecosystem.
- Thanks to Circle’s secure, permissionless protocol, World Chain users can now move USDC between supported chains with a simple burn-and-mint process.
World Chain, the blockchain initiative co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as part of the broader World Network, is becoming a global digital identity and finance platform. On June 11, the team announced an update: World Chain has now integrated native USDC, the U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Circle, along with support for Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol V2 (CCTP V2).
This replaces previously “bridged” versions of USDC on World Chain with native, fully-backed tokens issued directly by Circle. That means users now get access to a trusted, regulated digital dollar with deep liquidity, without needing to change anything on their end.
The difference between native and bridged USDC is significant. More than 2 million user balances have already been upgraded from bridged USDC to native USDC, which is backed 1:1 by cash and cash-equivalent reserves. Originally launched in 2018, USDC has processed over $25 trillion in on-chain volume and currently has a circulating supply close to $60 billion.
CCTP V2 allows for native, cross-chain transfers of USDC through a burn-and-mint process, cutting out third-party bridges, reducing transfer times from minutes to seconds, and making the entire process more secure. The update also includes support for Hooks, which lets developers automate actions when funds arrive. In turn, this opens the door to smarter, more programmable applications. On top of that, users gain access to Circle’s full infrastructure, making it easier than ever to move money in and out of the crypto space.
Why It Matters
For developers, it means building DeFi tools just got a lot easier and more scalable. They can now integrate native USDC directly into “Mini Apps” inside the World App, the platform’s main application, which has already racked up over 10 million downloads. This unlocks smooth, instant payments, remittances, and other financial services, all within one app.
The reach is global. World Chain supports more than 25 million users across 160+ countries, and now those users have access to stable, secure cross-chain money transfers using USDC, without needing to worry about bridges or complex steps. This update lays down infrastructure for businesses. Circle Mint, Circle’s institutional platform, is now part of the equation, offering streamlined cash conversions and enterprise-level integration.
The impact is meaningful in emerging markets, where traditional banking tools are limited. With native USDC and ultra-low transfer fees, users can do more, from sending remittances to buying phone credit, using a stable digital currency backed 1:1 by real-world dollars.
World Chain isn’t stopping here. The team is planning to roll out additional stablecoins like EURC, built to comply with Europe’s MiCA regulations, and extend CCTP to even more blockchains. This will strengthen cross-chain DeFi and make the ecosystem even more connected and stable.
Regulatory challenges remain in places like Indonesia, Kenya, and Brazil, but the momentum continues. According to a CNF report, today, it’s launching eye-scanning operations in London, recognizing the UK’s growing interest in AI and digital identity. Other major cities, Manchester and Glasgow, are also on the roadmap. And in the U.S., World recently opened a flagship store in San Francisco, signaling just how fast this ecosystem is expanding.
